MCMGA Board Minutes for Oct 26, 2021 at 6:30p
/This meeting was recorded. Zoom online meeting
Attendees: Claudia Groth, Dave Owen, Elaine O’Keefe, Susan Marcus, Susanne Cavicchi, Corinne Thomas-Kersting, Linda Goldser, Christine Semeniuk, Rich Becker, Lorna Schilling, Mary Abplanalp, Tom Ralley, Marcia McIntyre, Nancy Fine
Announcements: There will be a naming protocol for files other than docs, to be discussed by the Communication Committee.
Secretary - Nancy Fine
Minutes for the last board meeting are in the Review file. Susan made a motion. It was seconded. Minutes were approved.
2022 Chapter Budget - Susan Marcus
Explanation of projected budget deficit - $23,000. There are enough assets, but requires spending saved funds.
Board President, Claudia
The Chapter would be spending with a fundraiser, Incredible Edibles Plant Sale, earning revenue or not. Which projects are we willing to pull back/cancel?
Covid and safety protocols next year are unknown.
Comments about projected spending:
- Be conservative, reduce spending.
- If in-person activities or events are not possible, it will save a lot of money.
- Risk factor is low for lost revenue. IE Sale can be cancelled quickly with little loss.
- We are trying to reinvigorate Chapter membership. 2 years of no activities. We are reaching out to the community.
- The projected budget is a manageable risk. IE Sale happens around midpoint.
- What we spend has increased a lot. Projects for 2022 is $40,000. It would wipe out the savings account. Equivalent amount would be needed the following year.
Board President recommends each group cut 15-20% of projections to reduce the deficit. Every committee gets less. Invest in our Chapter but be conservative for the future.
Discussion from all board and committee members present to reduce or clarify projected budget amounts.
Treasurer made note of projected budget changes:
Merchandise - $3000 (reduced from $6000). Chapter made $335 in row covers without promotion. Christine noted a need for a broader conversation about merchandising, using the new logo, Shopify. Recommends a finance position for online sales.
OMGA - Elaine O’Keefe noted that OMGA is holding Mini-College in July 2022.
OMGA dues $5/person (with option to ask for waivers). About $500
Demo Garden - Linda Goldser reduced amount for supplies.
Leave ‘utilities’ (water bill) in the DG budget as per agreement with PP&R. Note that signage amount (to complete project) will be available again in 2022. $150
Education - Corinne Thomas-Kersting noted some expenses for classes at the IE Sale will not be used if IE Sale doesn’t happen.
DEI Advisory Group - Dave Owen, Elaine O’Keefe, Nancy Fine, Susan Marcus, Jack Lazareck.
Projected amounts are for consultants, educational materials, honorariums for BIPOC Advisors.
Consultant is crucial to advise a small organization, bring about culture change. Intention for this to expand to the greater Chapter.
IT Website consultant - Kaz Otomo. Very reasonable cost estimate at $35/hr. Estimating $45/hr next year. May need some revisions on the website in Jan.
New logo - Jo Wirtheim to complete new logo in 2021. No need for budget in 2022.
Translation services - DG, Education Committees. Request increase from $850 to $1000
Education Committee will check UC-Davis Extension, others for translated materials. OSU Extension ‘Grow Your Own’ Publication will be offered in Spanish.
Member Services - Fund some outreach events, communications with Chapter.
Suggestions - send postcards highlighting the Chapter FB, social media. Announce classes, Demo Garden activities, etc. for the public.
Wrap up of Budget Discussion
Many but not all members are comfortable with this deficit for 2022, but not for each of the next 3 years.
Committee members reduced the budget deficit from $23,000 to $18,000.
After 1st Quarter, reassess, and reduce numbers if activities aren’t returning to normal.
Treasurer to prepare new 2022 Budget for voting Board members.
Chapter members to vote in January.
Voting to be conducted by online voting.
Nominations - Vice President, Dave Owen
Dave to report on nominations, recommendations to the Board.
eNews - Mary Abplanalp, Susanne Cavicchi. Send in items by Nov 3rd.
Meeting Dates for 2021
All Tuesdays (generally the 4th Tuesday, but adjusted for holidays)
On Zoom until conditions justify changing
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Next meeting is Nov 23, 2021
Meeting adjourned.